Probably forever if we want to stay pain-free.We just started using 3-pound weights to strengthen the left leg a bit so it doesn't wobble. This stuff is tuff love.

For Victor or Justine who mentionedthe TENS Unitin an email. I'm getting electrical treatment with this at physical therapy.They said it would be fine to self-treat at home whenever I have pain. Another PBer mentioned the McKenzie Method. I asked about it at PT and they said, That's what you're getting.

I'll look for this Paris a Nous book when I get there mid-March.I don't know how much dancing I'll do but a mild jump for joy couldn't hurt thanks to your kind thoughts.

31 comments:

Glad to see that you have a plan of action! I have sciatica also, but find that walking, hatha yoga, and stretching makes a world of difference. Except that I can't do forward bends anymore. That is a big no no now! Although I was never a huge fan of downward dog. : )

I am so glad -- ze back is feeling better! There is nothing like a good plan. I guess sometimes something like this teaches us or reminds us that we need to keep the exercise up -- after all -- there are still adventures to be had :)

You have successfully turned off all appetite for beautiful sweets by posting that nasty pink card with 2 you-know-how-long-the-ears-are on the front. You can make your fortune if you patent this method...Glad to see you're improving! (Healthwise!)

Just wanted to share a couple of exercises that have helped me when I have had to deal with this most painful issue. Are you familiar with the McKenzie Method? The extension push-ups and also just doing lean backs and holding them for 10 - 15 seconds have helped me avoid back surgery.

It takes a while for them to work and one has to be diligent in doing the exercises, but they have been pretty successful for me. You can check this method out at several sites on the internet and there is a specific video with Dr. Mike that shows a good demonstration of the extension push ups. Folks who have never suffered from sciatica and back problems have no idea how painful and life altering these issues can be. I like to pass this information along whenever I can to hopefully help others. This might not work for you, but the two exercises I mentioned have been my salvation.

My Dr. (the primary, not a specialist) recommended the "TENS" Unit-It worked on my chronic back pain in a few days.I haven't needed it in 2 years. But am glad to have it anyway.Not expensive at all - it's as small as a phonebook- mine was covered by insurance anyway.Cheers,Victor

I don't understand everything because I am speaking english so BADLY, and I hate that , but it seems you have a sciatica, I see that on your blog ?I hope you will be fine when travelling to Paris!Have a great week end !

The thing to remember about back pain is that it does get better! The bad thing, of course, is that it takes time.

If someone had told me at the outset of my ruptured disc/ scoliosis/ sciatica/ bursitis episode, "Oh, you'll be better in about a year " -- I might have contemplated jumping into the Seine! (If indeed I could have jumped...) I hope you don't have the same reaction.

When I heard that message, though, several months had already, painfully, unraveled. A year didn't sound all that long! Just believing that there would be an end gave me renewed energy. Acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, hot springs, Aztec healing practice, daily stretches and exercises...I threw everything but the kitchen sink at the problem.

Even a trip to Paris! (Have you found that a really strong cafe creme alleviates pain for a couple of hours?)

All those treatments can give you the tools to grow stronger, straighter, and smarter about avoiding problems in the future. In the end, though, I came to believe that time is the greatest healer. Meanwhile, spending that time in places you love will surely help a lot. Have a wonderful time in Paris -- and carry a stylish cane!

I remembered another thing that helped me when my back and sciatica were at their worst. There is a lumbar pillow that I used for a long time when I was driving, sitting, and on planes which seemed to give my back more support. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it did help me. It is The Original McKenzie Lumbar Super Roll -- 708. You can check it out at McKenzie Method OPTP. The cost is $32.65. I no longer use the roll, but keep it handy in case of a relapse----heaven forbid. Also, I walk at least 4 miles every morning at a very brisk pace at my local "Y". Obviously, I couldn't do this when I was in severe pain, but when I improved I began walking every day, as I had done before my discs went crazy, and this has really helped strengthen my back. Hope this will be of some benefit to you. Have a great rest of the day.

Carol,What a great post, full of helpful ideas and funny yoga sketches. Tens, great, need to check out the McKenzie method, esp as it sounds Scottish ;-)Each time I go to PT, I realise that it's also down to sitting badly at the computer (keyboard and mouse too far away and screen not at eye level). Also standing or sitting for too long periods. Seems so obvious but keep needing to remind myself and so guilty of being a hunch at the screen...Thanks for sharing the exercises.